Monographic: butyl acetate
The butyl acetate is presented as a clear, colorless liquid (or light yellow), miscible with most organic solvents.
It is obtained by direct esterification of acetic acid with butyl alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. It's also called n-butyl acetate. The main physical parameters of butyl acetate are:
- Boiling point: 126°C
- Melting point: -78°C
- Flash point: 22°C
- Ignition temperature: 420°C
- Explosive limits (% by volume in air): 1.2 (vol%) - 7.5 (% vol)
- Relative density (water = 1): 0.88 g/cm3
- Relative density (air = 1): 4.0
At the industry level, butyl acetate is used as medium volatility solvent and has numerous applications:
- In the industry of paints and varnishes it's used for preparing nitrocellulose based lacquers, varnishes and thinners.
- In the flexographic industry it's used for thinning ink.
- In the printing industry it's used for the production of printing inks.
- In perfumery it's used as a solvent for nitrocellulose.
- In the leather industry it's used as a solvent for lacquers and dyes for dyeing leather as well as for the production of artificial leather.
In the industry of paints and varnishes it's used for preparing nitrocellulose based lacquers, varnishes and thinners.
Butyl acetate is a highly flammable product with a very low flash point. Vapors may form an explosive mixture with air. According to the ADR transport regulation this substance is classified and labeled in the Class 3, packing group III, label 3. Thus, in its handling and storage must be taken into account the following conditions to proceed properly:
- To assure a safely butyl acetate is important to wear a uniform with long sleeves, heavy gloves and face shield. Direct contact with skin causes irritation, dryness and discoloration thereof. Contact with the eyes causes severe irritation. And the inhalation causes irritation to the respiratory tract, with symptoms such as cough and slow breathing, drowsiness and dizziness.
- To guarantee the proper storage is convenient to place the product in a tightly closed container, well-ventilated and protected from direct sunlight. Containers of stainless steel, mild steel and aluminum are recommended.
Check here the International Safety Data Sheet butyl acetate.
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